Maison de la France (French Tourist Office) organized Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau to India to foster Paris-India tourism ties

Maison de la France (French Tourist Office) in association with Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau illustrated Paris as the preferred tourist destination, during the Parisian delegation’s visit to India recently. Mr. Jean-Bernard BROS, Deputy Mayor of Paris, in charge of Tourism and New Local Media, along with Paul Roll, Managing Director of the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, headed the delegation of 11
Parisian tourism specialists of the Paris Committee, who visited the Indian cities of New Delhi and Mumbai for the exclusive promotion of Paris Event. The Paris Event provided great opportunities for the representatives from Paris to establish and develop business relationships with key travel agencies and tour operators from Delhi & Mumbai. The objective of the program was to renew and build relationships with tourism and business leaders to help future growth and visibility for Paris.

Paris, the city at the heart of Europe, is a favourite destination of almost 30 million visitors. A bastion of culture, history, and intellectual pursuit, the rich tradition of this European capital pervades each of its districts. There are a myriad of experiences that the discerning traveller can indulge in from exotic fashion and shopping to dazzling nightlife and from sinful gastronomic affair to easy adventure activities. The capital’s ability to change and to be up amongst the ranks of the most innovative cities makes it one of the most attractive destinations. It is already linked to the world by six train stations and two international airports.

In a spirit of continuity, the year 2009 presents a full season of cultural and leisure events. New venues like art museums are opening and others getting a makeover to provide visitors to the capital and Parisians with evermore places to see and visit

The Indian market is becoming increasingly affluent, mobile, internet savvy and more sophisticated in terms of what is demanded of tourism products and services. The delegation is in India to assist and support the Indian travel fraternity in selling Paris to Indian travellers and to ensure that the Indian tour operators are well-informed about various experiences, products and itineraries related to the city of Paris. It is also an opportunity for the tour operators to avail of promotion materials and make contacts that will help them generate business.

Maison de la France highlighted the importance of the Indian travel market and the need of strengthening tourism ties between India and Paris, on the Parisian delegation’s recent visit to the country. Through their visit, the delegation showcased Paris as the world’s leading tourist destination.

Karim Mekachera, Director, Maison de la France, India, said, “In the last  seven years, Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, has made concerted efforts that have resulted in fostering strong ties with the Indian travel fraternity. Paris is, today, a flagship destination for the Indian market and remains the prime gateway for France as a tourism or MICE destination. While traditionally a cultural capital, Paris is also a modern city that has something for every traveller from across the globe be it shopping, nightlife, entertainment, food and wine, offering every visitor a uniquely Parisian experience that suits his fancy.” He further added “Paris is the most visited city with 29 million visitors in 2008. It is also a very environment friendly city, the first to have launched the concept of bicycling tours and also encourages Parisians to use this as a mode of everyday transport. Apart from this Paris on an ecological drive has classified eco-friendly hotels, organic restaurants, and a whole infrastructure in is place to facilitate responsible tourism making it a city truly “One Step Ahead.”

Paul Roll, Managing Director of the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau said, “The Indian Market is a very important market for PARIS: today we welcome 220, 000 Indians per year and in 2020, we expect to receive 800, 000 visitors. Between now and then, we are making every effort to ensure that their stay matches their expectations and that they experience Paris like a Parisian alongside the Parisians”.

For further details visit: http://in.franceguide.com/